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Annual assembly honors veterans

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Sam Couch Sr., Korean War veteran in the Marine Corps, listens to speakers with his head bowed during a ceremony honoring veterans Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at Southeastern High School. Jess Grimm/Chillicothe Gazette

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Sam Couch Sr., Korean War veteran in the Marine Corps, listens to speakers with his head bowed during a ceremony honoring veterans Tuesday at Southeastern High School.(Photo: Jess Grimm/Chillicothe Gazette)Buy Photo

CHILLICOTHE - The last time Matt Bush was in a school assembly for Veteran's Day, he was a student. This year, he returned for the first time as an honored veteran.

Bush graduated from Southeastern High School in 2010, and came to Tuesday's ceremony after talking to his cousin.

"The last time I was here, I was sitting up there," Bush said, pointing to the bleachers.

Students, staff and veterans gathered for a ceremony in Southeastern High School's gymnasium to honor veterans of all battles and branches Tuesday afternoon.

Over 30 veterans were seated with Bush next to a podium, and facing the bleachers full of high school students.

Various speakers that included school staff and students addressed the audience and the veterans from the podium with messages of gratitude and remembrance.

Keynote speaker Randy Davies, Patriot Guard rider and President and CEO of the Ross County Chamber of Commerce, said it was an honor to speak at the ceremony.

"I'm honored to be here to honor service members and their sacrifice," Davies said. "Every single one of us has had our lives touched by someone in uniform."

During his speech, Davies acknowledged the veterans seated to his right, and the crowd gave a standing ovation. He also asked those in the audience to stand if they had a family member who was in the service, and dozens of students rose to their feet and were met with applause.

Tuesday, Davies represented a local chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders, part of a national volunteer organization that consists of a group of motorcyclists that provide escorts to funerals or other events honoring soldiers.

Recently, the group escorted the National Guard 1194th Engineer Company to Columbus and the processional for Airman First Class Lincoln T. Johnson, who was buried in Ross County in October. Davies recalled the ride going past the school and seeing the crowd gathered in front as they went by.

"We should thank them every day.... not just when they're gone," Davies said. "These are ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways and in extraordinary times."

The ceremony at Southeaster High School honored past students who have lost their lives in battle, and recalled the now four memorials the building holds honoring them.

"Today, we honor them and thank them, and tomorrow, we must continue to honor and thank them," Davies said.

Following the speeches, the veterans seated at the front of the gymnasium passed around the microphone, each stating their name, branch, and years of service. The audience applauded for every single one.

Bush said he admires the ceremony his alma mater puts on every year, and plans to return next year as well.

"It's different but it's really good at supporting and recognizing us," Bush said.